Introduction
The Art of Weaving
The art of weaving, as portrayed in the All Souls trilogy by Deborah Harkness, is a profound act of creation, a union of knowledge, will, and imagination. It is the power to draw threads of existence into patterns that transcend time and space, binding elements, intentions, and ideas into form.
What follows is a collection of weaving rituals, designed for modern age apprentices of scientific magic who seek to symbolically explore this ancient and mystical practice. Each ritual represents an elemental and archetypal force, blending the symbolic richness of the Keirsey personality types with the timeless principles of sacred geometry and numerology.
Inspired by the transformational work of John Dee, the renowned mathematician and alchemist, these rituals weave together mysticism and mathematical precision. Although Dee’s work focused mostly on numbers as fundamental building blocks of the universe and a divine language through which one could understand God’s creation, his work also integrated geometric insights rooted in Platonic solids. These can be used to shape these magical frameworks, imbuing each act of weaving with profound numerical and spatial significance.
These rituals are not mere symbolic ceremonies; they are reflections of profound archetypal truths, shaped by the interplay of personality, element, and form. To undertake them is to step into an ancient lineage of seekers and creators, who, like Matthew and Diana in the All Souls universe, dare to weave the fabric of reality itself. Exploring these rituals with intention, curiosity, and reverence we may discover the infinite patterns waiting to be revealed.
An Act of Will
According to Roberto Assagioli, the founder of psychosynthesis, an “act of will” is a deliberate and conscious effort to direct one’s energy, thoughts, and actions toward a specific goal or purpose. Assagioli viewed the will as a central aspect of human psychology, emphasizing its role in self-determination, personal growth, and the integration of different aspects of the self.
Assagioli described the will as having three key qualities:
- Strong Will: The ability to persist and overcome obstacles, demonstrating determination and resilience.
- Skillful Will: The capacity to act with intelligence, strategy, and adaptability, ensuring that actions are effective and appropriate.
- Good Will: The ethical and compassionate dimension of the will, ensuring that actions are aligned with higher values and the greater good.
An “act of will,” therefore, involves consciously choosing and committing to a course of action, balancing these three qualities. It is not just about brute force or determination but also about aligning one’s intentions with wisdom and ethical principles. Assagioli believed that cultivating the will was essential for achieving inner harmony, self-realization, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with purpose and integrity.
Spells
In magic, a spell is a ritualized act or set of words, gestures, or symbols used to invoke, channel, or direct supernatural forces to achieve a specific outcome. Spells are often seen as a way to focus intention and energy, aligning the caster’s will with the desired result. They can involve various elements such as incantations, symbols, herbs, candles, crystals, or other tools, depending on the magical tradition or belief system.
By viewing magical spells as strong and skillful acts of good will, they transcend superstition and become a disciplined practice of aligning the practitioner’s inner world with the outer universe, using intention as the bridge between thought and reality. This perspective highlights the transformative and empowering nature of magic as a creative and purposeful act.
The Knot Magic Rhymes
In fiction, like the All Souls trilogy, spells are often depicted as powerful, creative acts that tap into the fabric of reality, allowing witches or wizards to manipulate the world around them. In real-world practices, spells are more symbolic and are often tied to personal growth, intention-setting, or spiritual connection.
The nine knot spell is a traditional spell that involves tying nine knots in a cord while reciting a set of phrases. The knots can be used to bind harmful forces, warding off negative energies.
- “With knot of one, the spell’s begun.”
- “With knot of two, the spell be true.”
- “With knot of three, the spell is free.”
- “With knot of four, the power is stored.”
- “With knot of five, this spell will thrive.”
- “With knot of six, this spell I fix.”
- “With knot of seven, the spell will waken.”
- “With knot of eight, the spell is fate.”
- “With knot of nine, the thing is mine.”
Each knot, not different from what practitioners weave with ruler and compass a nine-fold Flower of Life in sacred geometry, represents a different phase or aspect of a spell.